In an impact statement read out to the court the victim, Peter O'Sullivan, said his world had been turned upside down by the assault which had left him with ongoing medical and financial issues.
He said on the night of January 26, when both he and Lothien were attending a speedway event in Rotorua, Lothien had punched him in an unprovoked attack.
Mr O'Sullivan labelled Lothien a "drunk, antisocial thug''.
In the statement he said he had received surgery following the attack but had not regained sight in his left eye. Doctors had told him it was unlikely he ever would.
Lothien's lawyer, Amit Malik, said the case had taken an unusual turn with the escape and subsequent media attention which had perhaps distracted from the main purpose of the sentencing.
Mr Malik said a letter Lothien wrote to the Hawke's Bay Today which detailed his escape from the van and placed blame on Corrections staff showed his impulsive and often immature behaviour.
Judge Bridget Mackintosh took into account Lothien's six previous convictions for common assault, which dated back to 2009, his charge of previously escaping police custody and the fact he was on bail when the assault occurred.
She said the punch had caused serious damage to the victim because he was wearing glasses at the time which subsequently shattered.
Judge Mackintosh also said the effect on the victim was a key aggravating factor in her sentencing.
Lothien was given a three strikes warning for the violence offence.